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Flashbacks and HPPD: A Clinical-oriented Concise Review.

January 1, 2014 / LSD, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By / , ,

Abstract

A unique characteristic of LSD, LSD-like and substances with hallucinogenic properties is the recurrence of some or all the hallucinogenic symptoms which had appeared during the intoxication after the immediate effects of the substance had worn off. This recurring syndrome, mainly visual, is not clearly understood. The terms Flashback and Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder (HPPD) have been used interchangeably in the professional literature. We have observed at least two different recurrent syndromes, the first Flashback Type we refer to as HPPD I, a generally short-term, non-distressing, benign and reversible state accompanied by a pleasant affect. In contrast, the second HPPD Type we refer to as HPPD II, a generally long-term, distressing, pervasive, either slowly reversible or irreversible, non-benign state accompanied by an unpleasant affect. HPPD I and II appear to be part of a broad spectrum of non-psychopathological and psychopathological states reported by hallucinogen users. HPPD I and II may be clinically characterized by prodromal symptoms, onset, content of visual imagery, precipitators, frequency, duration and intensity of perceptual recurrences, severity, course, differential diagnosis, accompanying mood and affect, insight and remission. Pharmacological therapy with or without preceding or following co-occurring psychiatric disorders have been shown to ameliorate this syndrome. A large variety of medications may be utilized to alleviate this condition, but with differential results suggesting several subtypes. The purpose of this manuscript is to provide a clinical-oriented, comprehensive and concise review to treating psychiatrists.

Rudinski, D., Bor, O., & Goodman, C. (2013). Flashbacks and HPPD: A Clinical-oriented Concise Review. The Israel journal of psychiatry and related sciences, 51(4), 296-301.
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IJTS Special Topic Section: Ketamine ● Ketamine and Depression: A Review

January 1, 2014 / Depressive Disorders, Ketamine, Papers, Psychiatry & Medicine, Psychology, Publications / By / , ,

Abstract

Ketamine, via intravenous infusions, has emerged as a novel therapy for treatment-resistant depression, given rapid onset and demonstrable efficacy in both unipolar and bipolar depression. Duration of benefit, on the order of days, varies between these subtypes, but appears longer in unipolar depression. A unique property is reduction in suicidality although data are more limited. Strategies to extend duration, via multiple doses, maintenance treatment, or subsequent augmenting medications have yielded mixed results. There is a relative paucity of data regarding alternate methods of administration such as intramuscular, intranasal, and oral routes, though preliminary results are promising. Adverse effects most reliably include dissociative and sympathomimetic effects, both transient and mild, and suggest good tolerability. Ketamine’s unique effects may represent an opportunity for a paradigm shift in the pharmacologic treatment of depression.

Ryan, W. C., Marta, C. J., & Koek, R. J. (2014). Ketamine and depression: A review. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 33(2), 40-74.
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IJTS Special Topic Section: Ketamine ● Ketamine—Its History, Uses, Pharmacology, Therapeutic Practice, and an Exploration of its Potential as a Novel Treatment for Depression

January 1, 2014 / Depressive Disorders, Humanities & Art, Ketamine, Papers, Psychology, Publications / By /

Introduction

The origins of this special section on ketamine and ketamine assisted psychotherapy and an overview and deliberately controversial discussion of depression and ketamine’s putative efficacy as an antidepressant arise from two sources. The first is a fairly widespread and historical appreciation of ketamine’s power as a transformative agent, especially when embedded in a psychotherapeutic context. Ketamine is after all the only legal psychedelic in use—as a Schedule III substance with an indication as a dissociative anesthetic and a long history of safe and effective use for anesthesia and analgesia, this without significant respiratory depression. Other uses have occurred, for example in the control of agitated, suicidal, and aggressively psychotic individuals in the ER setting, and as a transformational, psychedelic experience at low to moderate dosages—pre-anesthetic levels — inspired by the work of Roquet, Jansen, Krupitsky, and others [fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”yes” overflow=”visible”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ background_position=”left top” background_color=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” spacing=”yes” background_image=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” padding=”” margin_top=”0px” margin_bottom=”0px” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_direction=”left” hide_on_mobile=”no” center_content=”no” min_height=”none”][…]

Wolfson, P.E. (2014). Introduction to the Special Topic Section: Ketamine–Its History, Uses, Pharmacology, Therapeutic Practice, and an Exploration of its Potential as a Novel Treatment for Depression. The International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 33(2), 33-39.
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New online survey on ayahuasca and mourning

February 7, 2022 / Ayahuasca / By

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The International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research And Service (ICEERS) are setting up an ambitious research project to study the effects of ayahuasca, called “Exploring New Tools to Face Grief: The Case of Ayahuasca”. The researchers want to investigate how the intake of ayahuasca influences the mourning process, due to the loss of a loved one.

Since there is no scientific data on this topic, and no studies of this kind have been carried out, ICEERS are looking to contact a large number of people that have a relation to this topic. They are looking for people willing to share their personal experiences in detail. The goal of this study is to expand the knowledge on the process of mourning and how the intake of ayahuasca affects this process.

The researchers at ICEERS are looking for anyone who has gone through this situation. If you know of somebody, or have been through a similar process yourself, they kindly request you to alert them to this initiative. The online survey consists of 78 questions and is both anonymous and private.

Click this link to continue to the survey.

Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives

December 17, 2013 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, Depressive Disorders, Headache Pain and Neurological Disorders, Mushrooms / Psilocybin, Neuroscience, Papers, Pharmacology & Chemistry, Psychology, Psychotic Disorders, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / By / , ,

Abstract

Psilocybin, a psychoactive alkaloid contained in hallucinogenic mushrooms, is nowadays given a lot of attention in the scientific community as a research tool for modeling psychosis as well as due to its potential therapeutic effects. However, it is also a very popular and frequently abused natural hallucinogen. This review summarizes all the past and recent knowledge on psilocybin. It briefly deals with its history, discusses the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and compares its action in humans and animals. It attempts to describe the mechanism of psychedelic effects and objectify its action using modern imaging and psychometric methods. Finally, it describes its therapeutic and abuse potential.

Tylš, F., Páleníček, T., & Horáček, J. (2014). Psilocybin – Summary of knowledge and new perspectives. European Neuropsychopharmacology, 24, 342-365. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.euroneuro.2013.12.006

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The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca

February 6, 2022 / Ayahuasca / By

This book presents a series of perspectives on the therapeutic potential of the ritual and clinical use of the Amazonian hallucinogenic brew ayahuasca in the treatment and management of various diseases and ailments, especially its role in psychological wellbeing and substance dependence. Biomedical and anthropological data on the use of ayahuasca for treating depression, PTSD, and substance dependence in different settings, such as indigenous contexts, neo-shamanic rituals, contemporary therapeutic circles, and in ayahuasca religions, in both South and North America, are presented and critiqued. Though multiple anecdotal reports on the therapeutic use of ayahuasca exist, there has been no systematic and dense reflection on the topic thus far. The book brings the therapeutic use of ayahuasca to a new level of public examination and academic debate. The texts in this volume stimulate discussion on methodological, ethical, and political aspects of research and will enhance the development of this emergent field of studies.

The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca, by Beatriz Caiuby Labate & Clancy Cavnar (Editors), Springer, 226 pages.

Buy this book on bookdepository.com and support the OPEN Foundation

Ibogaine: a review

December 4, 2013 / Anthropology & Sociology, Biology & Ethnobotany, Iboga / Ibogaine, Papers, Pharmacology & Chemistry, Psychology, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / By /

Publisher Summary

The chapter discusses ibogaine, which is a naturally occurring plant alkaloid with a history of use as a medicinal and ceremonial agent in West Central Africa and has been alleged to be effective in the treatment of drug abuse. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) has given significant support to animal research, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Phase I studies in humans. The chapter discusses the first International Conference on Ibogaine. A major focus of the Conference was the possible mechanism(s) of action of ibogaine. Another important focus of the Conference was to discuss human experience with ibogaine and preclinical and clinical evidence of efficacy and safety. The Conference also featured presentations related to the sociological and anthropological aspects of the sacramental context of the use of iboga in Africa and the distinctive ibogaine subculture of the U.S and Europe. Ibogaine is the most abundant alkaloid in the root bark of the Apocynaceous shrub Tabernanthe iboga, which grows in West Central Africa. The chapter presents a timeline that outlines the historical events relating to the development of ibogaine as a treatment for drug dependence. Ibogaine and serotonin both contain an indole ring in their structure, and ibogaine has been shown to bind to the serotonin transporter and to increase serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Stereotypy is a methodologic issue that might explain some of the disparate results regarding ibogaine’s interaction with the locomotor response to cocaine.

Alper, K. R. (2001). Ibogaine: a review. The alkaloids: Chemistry and Biology, 56, 1-38. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/S0099-9598(01)56005-8
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Help pay for MDMA PTSD research

December 6, 2021 / Anxiety Disorders / PTSD, MDMA, Publications / By

Recently, MAPS officially launched an Indiegogo campaign to help complete their crucial study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). OPEN supports MAPS in their efforts to raise both funds and awareness. Money is needed to progress vital research on these substances, while increasing awareness on the human and economic costs of PTSD can show that viable alternatives exist that can transform the lives of PTSD-sufferers.

The first published studies have shown that MDMA-assisted psychotherapy can be an effective treatment for people who did not respond to conventional therapies for post-traumatic stress disorder. MAPS’ studies are supported by the US government; their ongoing study in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers is halfway complete, and early results are promising. For some recent articles on MDMA-assisted PTSD-treatment, see here, here and here.

Donations will help pay the costs of conducting our ongoing clinical trial, a critical part of our international research program to develop MDMA-assisted psychotherapy into a prescription treatment for PTSD. Visit the Indiegogo page here,

A video-interview with one of the first subjects can be watched here:

Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample

November 27, 2013 / DMT, Papers, Psychology, Publications, Substance Use Disorder / By / , ,

Abstract

This paper presents original research on prevalence, user characteristics and effect profile of N,N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), a potent hallucinogenic which acts primarily through the serotonergic system. Data were obtained from the Global Drug Survey (an anonymous online survey of people, many of whom have used drugs) conducted between November and December 2012 with 22,289 responses. Lifetime prevalence of DMT use was 8.9% (n=1980) and past year prevalence use was 5.0% (n=1123). We explored the effect profile of DMT in 472 participants who identified DMT as the last new drug they had tried for the first time and compared it with ratings provided by other respondents on psilocybin (magic mushrooms), LSD and ketamine. DMT was most often smoked and offered a strong, intense, short-lived psychedelic high with relatively few negative effects or “come down”. It had a larger proportion of new users compared with the other substances (24%), suggesting its popularity may increase. Overall, DMT seems to have a very desirable effect profile indicating a high abuse liability that maybe offset by a low urge to use more.

Winstock, A. R., Kaar, S., & Borschmann, R. (2013). Dimethyltryptamine (DMT): Prevalence, user characteristics and abuse liability in a large global sample. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(1), 49.54. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881113513852

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Reviewing the ketamine model for schizophrenia

November 20, 2013 / Ketamine, Neuroscience, Papers, Psychology, Psychotic Disorders, Publications / By / ,

Abstract

The observation that antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), such as phencyclidine (PCP) and ketamine, transiently induce symptoms of acute schizophrenia had led to a paradigm shift from dopaminergic to glutamatergic dysfunction in pharmacological models of schizophrenia. The glutamate hypothesis can explain negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia better than the dopamine hypothesis, and has the potential to explain dopamine dysfunction itself. The pharmacological and psychomimetic effects of ketamine, which is safer for human subjects than phencyclidine, are herein reviewed. Ketamine binds to a variety of receptors, but principally acts at the NMDAR, and convergent genetic and molecular evidence point to NMDAR hypofunction in schizophrenia. Furthermore, NMDAR hypofunction can explain connectional and oscillatory abnormalities in schizophrenia in terms of both weakened excitation of inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acidergic (GABAergic) interneurons that synchronize cortical networks and disinhibition of principal cells. Individuals with prenatal NMDAR aberrations might experience the onset of schizophrenia towards the completion of synaptic pruning in adolescence, when network connectivity drops below a critical value. We conclude that ketamine challenge is useful for studying the positive, negative, and cognitive symptoms, dopaminergic and GABAergic dysfunction, age of onset, functional dysconnectivity,and abnormal cortical oscillations observed in acute schizophrenia.

Frohlich, J., & van Horn, J. D. (2014). Reviewing the ketamine model for schizophrenia. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(4), 287-302. http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269881113512909
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